Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is a widely used preservative in UK skincare, haircare and makeup products. It helps prevent bacteria, yeast and mould from spoiling your favourite creams, serums, shampoos and masks so they stay safe and effective for longer. You’ll often find it paired with potassium sorbate in gentle, family-friendly formulas.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, sodium benzoate functions as an antimicrobial preservative that inhibits the growth of micro-organisms, particularly in products with a slightly acidic pH. It is highly water-soluble, making it easy to formulate into lotions, toners, cleansers and haircare products. When used alongside other preservatives it allows brands to keep overall preservative levels low while still meeting strict UK and EU safety standards.
Key benefits
- Extends product shelf life
- Prevents microbial contamination
- Allows lower overall preservative levels
- Compatible with many natural and organic formulations
- Odourless and colourless so it does not affect product aesthetics
- Well-tolerated in rinse-off and leave-on products
Best for
all skin types, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin
Where it comes from
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, which occurs naturally in many fruits such as cranberries, plums, apples and cinnamon. In cosmetic manufacturing it is usually produced by reacting benzoic acid (derived from plant sources or petroleum) with sodium hydroxide.